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Jarrius Robertson won the ESPYs, so all is as it should be. But we kept score all night— David Villa came in second.
Yes, New York City FC’s captain and the reigning league MVP took home Best MLS Player honors. This is not surprising, because el Guaje is basically the Denzel Washington of MLS players: he’s in his own category. He doesn’t have peers.
What was surprising? The other nominees. Let’s take stock:
- Andre Blake
- Stefan Frei
- Matt Hedges
- Bradley Wright-Phillips
Hmm...
Ya think the right guy won?
As Villa told NYCFC.com:
“I’m very happy and proud to receive this award on behalf of all of my teammates and coaches who help me every day to score goals and to win games for NYCFC.
“Ever since I came to this club I’ve been living an amazing dream in this incredible city playing for this great club and its passionate fans.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me for this prestigious award – it means so much to me.”
PREVIOUS BEST MLS PLAYER ESPY WINNERS
2016: Sebastian Giovinco
2015: Robbie Keane
2014: Tim Cahill
2013: Thierry Henry
2012: David Beckham
2011: Landon Donovan
2010: Landon Donovan
2009: Landon Donovan
2008: David Beckham
2007: Landon Donovan
2006: Landon Donovan